Brand Names: Estratab, Menest

Generic Name: esterified estrogens (Pronunciation: ess TER ih fied ESS troe jenz)

• What are esterified estrogens (Menest)?
• What are the possible side effects of esterified estrogens (Menest)?
• What is the most important information I should know about esterified estrogens (Menest)?
• Who should not take esterified estrogens (Menest)?
• How should I take esterified estrogens (Menest)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Menest)?
• What happens if I overdose (Menest)?
• What should I avoid while taking esterified estrogens (Menest)?
• What other drugs will affect esterified estrogens (Menest)?
• Where can I get more information?

What are esterified estrogens (Menest)?

Estrogen is a female sex hormone necessary for many processes in the body.

Esterified estrogens are naturally occurring female sex hormones that are used to treat symptoms of menopause; deficiency in ovary function (including underdevelopment of female sexual characteristics and some types of infertility); some types of breast cancer in men and in postmenopausal women; degeneration of the vagina; and urethra and prostate cancer. In addition, esterified estrogens are used to prevent osteoporosis.

Esterified estrogens may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Estratab 0.625 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with SOLVAY 1022

Menest 0.3 mg

oblong, yellow, imprinted with BMP 125

Menest 0.625 mg

oblong, orange, imprinted with BMP 126

Menest 1.25 mg

oblong, green, imprinted with BMP 127

What are the possible side effects of esterified estrogens (Menest)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking esterified estrogens and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• a blood clot (pain, redness, and swelling in an arm or leg, shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, blurred vision, or confusion);
• a lump in a breast; or
• liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take esterified estrogens and talk to your doctor if you experience

• decreased appetite, nausea, or vomiting;
• swollen or tender breasts;
• acne or skin color changes;
• decreased sex drive;
• migraine headaches or dizziness;
• water retention (swollen hands, feet, or ankles);
• problems with wearing contact lenses;
• depression; or
• changes in your menstrual cycle or breakthrough bleeding.

Esterified estrogens increase the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, with esterified estrogens lowers the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together with the estrogen. Visit your doctor regularly and report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

It is unclear to what extent estrogen treatments may affect the risk of breast cancer.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about esterified estrogens (Menest)?

Esterified estrogens increase the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, with esterified estrogens lowers the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together with the estrogen. Visit your doctor regularly and report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while taking esterified estrogens.

Do not take esterified estrogens if you are pregnant.